Description

Illinois State University invites nominations and applications as it seeks an innovative, visionary, collaborative, and experienced professional to lead as the next Vice President for Finance and Planning (VPFP). Reporting to President Aondover Tarhule and serving as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPFP has three broad primary responsibilities: chief financial officer, chief planning and budgeting officer, and head of the Finance and Planning Division.

The VPFP leads the Finance and Planning Division, with approximately 700 employees, and must be a person of integrity who shares the values of Illinois State University and can model the collaboration, transparency, and commitment to service that are at the heart of this division. In addition, the next VPFP is expected to be strategic in developing and implementing a 21^st-century budget model, be a collaborative member of President Tarhule’s Cabinet and to lead teams within and beyond the Division of Finance and Planning. This is an outstanding opportunity for an analytical and experienced leader who can envision the big picture and work closely in a shared governance environment to inspire and lead those who will implement approaches to achieving the University’s mission.

Academic Search is assisting Illinois State University in this national search. For additional information about this opportunity, please review the position profile, which includes a full list of required and preferred qualifications and experience for the VPFP position, at www.academicsearch.org under the “Open Searches” tab.

Nominations and Applications:

Academic Search is partnering with Illinois State University for this search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. To submit a nomination, please send an email to IllinoisVPFP@academicsearch.org; be sure to include the nominee’s full name, title, position, and email address.

Those who are considering applying are encouraged to request a confidential conversation with either Senior Consultant: Dr. Ginny Horvath (ginny.horvath@academicsearch.org) or Dr. Carlos Medina (carlos.medina@academicsearch.org). Initial review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Applications should be sent electronically to IllinoisVPFP@academicsearch.org. Each application should include these three separate PDF documents:

• A detailed cover letter expressing your interest in this opportunity at Illinois State University and explaining the ways you meet the qualifications and expectations of the position;
• A current, full curriculum vita that includes relevant responsibilities and accomplishments;
• A list of five professional references (including their names, titles, email addresses, and professional connection to you).  References will be contacted only with the applicant’s permission and only if their candidacy advances to the finalist round.

Requirements

EXPECTED QUALITIES

• To be successful as a member of the collaborative senior leadership team at Illinois State University, the Vice President for Finance and Planning is expected to have these professional and personal qualities:
•    A deep commitment to students and their success;
•    A strong orientation to team and to collective success;
•    Superior oral and written communications skills, especially the ability to listen carefully and effectively;
•    Ability to encourage forward thinking and innovation in the changing higher education landscape;
•    Ability to effectively develop and lead diverse teams of professionals;
•    Outstanding problem-solving skills;
•    Strong collaborative interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive and effective relationships across campus with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and external constituents; and
•    Understanding of the interrelationships and dependencies between academic and administrative units at a university.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants for the Vice President for Finance and Planning position shall demonstrate all of these required qualifications:
•    An earned advanced degree (beyond bachelor’s);
•    A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in senior administrative leadership in financial and planning operations at a university, including supervision of cross-divisional teams;
•    A record of successful experience in financial, capital, and budget planning and management;
  
•    Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion; and
•    Experience in and commitment to working within a shared governance environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants for the Vice President for Finance and Planning position may also demonstrate some of these preferred qualifications:
•    Experience managing the kinds of departments overseen by the VPFP at Illinois State University;
•    An understanding of and commitment to the teaching, research, and service missions of a university;
•    In-depth knowledge of the full range of issues addressed by an administration and finance executive in a public university setting; and
•    An understanding of the culture of a large, residential, research-oriented university.